Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Heirloom Greens - Wintercress

Healthy food enthusiasts along the Atlantic Seaboard can sometimes find wintercress (winter cress) during the winter season. This nearly forgotten member of the mustard family originates from Europe. The small green herb grows wild in parts of North America, and is often described as a weed or wildflower.

In some areas, the plant is grown and harvested for consumption during the fall and winter. Look for wintercress at farmers markets, pick-your-own farms or in private gardens. Wintercress is delicious, boiled or steamed with a little bacon for flavoring. The stems are stringy and should be cut short before cooking.